Service learning for sustainable development: a bibliometric analysis of research (1997-2023)
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Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
14676370
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105009385995
Journal Title
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (2025)
Suggested Citation
Narong D.K. Service learning for sustainable development: a bibliometric analysis of research (1997-2023). International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (2025). doi:10.1108/IJSHE-10-2024-0693 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111106
Title
Service learning for sustainable development: a bibliometric analysis of research (1997-2023)
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Author's Affiliation
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Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to establish empirical benchmarks and provide insights into the growth and thematic evolution of the literature on service learning for sustainable development. It examines the research landscape by analyzing publication volume, growth trends, scholarly contributions and geographic distribution. The study also explores key research topics and emerging areas of focus that have garnered scholarly attention from 1997 to 2023. Design/methodology/approach: This study performed a bibliometric analysis of 583 Scopus-indexed documents, using descriptive statistical analysis, citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis and science mapping techniques. Findings: The study explores the increasing academic focus on service learning for sustainable development. While research in this field is global, it is predominantly led by economically developed regions with limited international collaboration. The literature primarily examines the integration of service learning in engineering and health care, where it enhances profession-specific competencies, provides practical experience and advances sustainability. Current trends further suggest that higher education will remain a key research area, emphasizing the need to expand service learning studies across various educational levels and disciplines. Although environmental and social sustainability are often examined separately in the knowledge base, future research should adopt a more integrated approach by addressing the triple bottom line - economic, social and environmental dimensions - collectively. Furthermore, while engineering and health-care education have been prominent areas of study, they appear to have largely evolved in isolation. This study highlights the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration and resource sharing to develop more comprehensive and effective service learning models. Finally, the Sustainable Development Goals and e-learning are emerging among themes potentially poised to shape future research. Looking ahead, studies should further explore how advancements in Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies can be leveraged to enhance service learning, fostering human-centric, sustainable and resilient education systems. Originality/value: The research advances scholarly understanding of service learning as a pedagogical strategy for sustainable development. It maps the knowledge landscape, uncovers key thematic trends and proposes future research directions to support scholars in strategically positioning their future contributions and driving further progress in both theory and practice.